Cantilevered structure

ABSTRACT

A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to decks, balconies, perches,and other platforms. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto cantilevered elevated platforms and still more particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to free-standing cantilevered elevatedplatforms.

BACKGROUND

Residential deck structures often form an integral part of thearchitectural façade of a home. Common residential deck constructionoften includes a ledger board secured to an exterior surface of a home,a beam spaced apart from the home and supported by columns, and joistsspanning between the ledger board and the beam. Deck boards are thenplaced on the joists to provide a deck surface. Railing systems may alsobe provided around the perimeter of the deck.

This type of deck construction requires that the ledger board beattached to the home at the time of original construction or that thesiding be cut away at a later time to install the ledger board. Inrecent years, there have been a large amount of deck failures resultingfrom deterioration in and around the deck ledger board due to moistureintrusion. This type of deck construction can also obstruct the use ofspace beneath the deck due to the mentioned columns that are spacedapart from the home for supporting the beam. Still further, theconventional nature of this type of construction may not be appealing tohomeowners or architects looking to add architectural attractiveness ormake an architectural statement.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a deck for positioning adjacent a structure mayinclude a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate tothe structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck systemarranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adaptedfor positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away fromthe structure. The anti-gravity appearance of the deck may thus beattractive or noteworthy and add to the architectural appeal of the deckand surrounding structure. Moreover, the self-supporting nature of thedeck may help to avoid the moisture intrusion issues associated withledger board-type decks. Still further, the cantilevered nature of thedeck may avoid the need for columns that may obstruct the space beneaththe deck.

In another embodiment, a deck for support by a foundation may include aresidential deck system including a plurality of wood joists supportedby a rim joist and decking arranged on the plurality of joists providinga deck surface. The deck may also include a means for cantileveredsupport of the residential deck relative to the foundation.

In still other embodiments, a deck for support by a foundation mayinclude a cantilever frame extending from the foundation and configuredfor a moment resisting connection to the foundation. The frame mayinclude an offsetting portion and an outlooking portion and may have amoment resisting connection between the offsetting and outlookingportions. The deck may also include a residential deck system arrangedabout and supported by the frame. The residential deck system mayinclude a rim joist, a plurality of floor joists, and decking arrangedon and supported by the plurality of floor joists.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are for purposes of example andexplanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure.Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two decks adjacent to a residenceaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a deck according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the deck of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view through a foundation, frame, and decksystem of the deck of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a base plate according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of frames of the deck of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a close-up side view of the connection between an outlookingportion and offsetting portion of the frames of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a close-up side view of the outer end of the outlookingportion of the frames of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view through the deck system and frame of thedeck of FIG. 2 showing bridging and bracing thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to decks, balconies, perches,and other platforms. More particularly, in one embodiment, the presentdisclosure relates to a free-standing cantilevered deck adapted forplacement adjacent to a structure for cantilevering away from thestructure and to appear as though the deck is cantilevered from thestructure. That is, the deck may not include supporting columns underthe side of the deck opposite the home or other structure. The deckdisclosed herein may be constructed during the original constructionprocess of a home or other structure or the deck may be constructed atsome time thereafter. In either case, the free-standing nature of thedeck may allow the deck to avoid moisture issues currently affectingmany decks across our country and the world. The cantilevered aspect ofthe deck may provide for more free use of the space beneath the deck andmay also add to the architectural appeal of the deck and the home as awhole.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a platform is shown in theform of a pair of residential decks adjacent a residential homestructure. It should be appreciated that the deck may be placed awayfrom a structure, adjacent other residential structures, or adjacentcommercial or other types of structures. The decks shown depict at leasttwo variations of the type of use that may be implemented on the surfaceof the deck. That is, as shown on the left deck, a relatively commontype of use is provided where the surface of the deck is left relativelyopen for positioning of tables, chairs, or for allowing people tocongregate or gather in the open space. On the right portion of the deckshown, the deck is covered with a roof supported from the deck bycolumns. Other adaptations of the deck surface may include screened-inporches, or three or four season porches. Other adaptations may also beprovided. In some embodiments, joints may be provided between the deck,or portions thereof, and an adjacent structure for allowing differentialmovement of the deck relative to the adjacent structure. As such, whereroofs are supported by the deck, the roof may include a joint positionedbetween the portion of the roof above the deck and the roof above theadjacent structure, for example. In other embodiments, the deck may bepre-loaded to cause dead load deflections to be induced in the structureprior to construction of the roof or other dead load causing elements.As such, the deflections seen by the deck throughout the life of thestructure may be limited to live loads allowing joints to be reduced insize or avoided all together.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the deck 100, in one embodiment, may include afoundation 102 configured for supporting and anchoring the deck 100. Thedeck 100 may also include a frame or frames 104 extending from thefoundation 102 and a deck system 106. The frame 104 may be configuredfor collecting the loads from the deck system 106 and transferring theloads to the foundation 102. The deck system 106 may include a decksurface and supporting elements configured for supporting deck loads andtransferring the loads to the frame 104.

Beginning with the foundation 102, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG.4, a caisson foundation may be provided. A caisson 108 may be providedfor each respective frame 104 of the deck 100 and may be configured tosupport the gravitational vertical and overturning loads impartedthereon by the frame 104. The caisson 108 may also be configured forresisting shear forces imparted thereon due to vibration or motion onthe surface of the deck 100 in addition to wind loads and seismic loads.Other loads imparted on the superstructure (e.g., the frame 104 and decksystem 106) of the deck 100 may be resisted by the caisson foundation108.

The caisson foundation 108 may include a vertically extending pierpositioned in the ground. The pier may have a cylindrical cross-sectionor another cross-section may be provided. For example, square,rectangular, or other shapes may be used. The vertically extending piermay include concrete made from cement, water, aggregates, and one ormore admixtures. Other ingredients may also be provided and selected fora suitable foundation 102. For example, in some embodiments, fly ash maybe included. The aggregates may include sand and larger aggregates suchas ½″, ¾, 1″, or larger aggregates. Other sizes of aggregate may also beused. The cement may include a portland cement or other suitablecementitious material. The water/cement ratio of the concrete may rangefrom approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.7 or it may range fromapproximately 0.25 to approximately 0.65. In still other embodiments,the water/cement ratio may range from approximately 0.3 to 0.45. Otherwater/cement ratios may also be provided. The admixtures may include airentrainment, accelerators, retarders, plasticizers, orsuperplasticizers. Other admixtures may also be provided and selected toprovide a suitable foundation 102 for the deck 100. The concrete mayhave a 28-day compressive strength ranging from approximately 500 psi toapproximately 8000 psi. In other embodiments, the compressive strengthmay range from approximately 2000 psi to 5000 psi. In still otherembodiments, the compressive strength may be approximately 3000 psi. Thecaisson 108 may also be made from other materials other than concrete.

The caisson 108 may also include reinforcing 110 arranged to resist theloads induced on the caisson 108. These loads may include loads inducedon the caisson 108 from the deck superstructure and may also includeother loads on the caisson 108 such as temperature change forces andshrinkage forces. In particular, the caisson cross-section andassociated reinforcing 110 may be designed to carry the weight of thedeck dead load and live load in addition to the bending moments inducedtherein due to the cantilevered nature of the deck 100. In someembodiments, the reinforcing 110 may be steel reinforcing such as ASTMGrade 40 or 60 reinforcing. Other grades of steel reinforcing or othermaterials for reinforcing may also be used. In some embodiments, thecaisson 108 may be reinforced with a fiber mesh reinforcing in additionto the steel reinforcing or in place thereof. Where steel reinforcing orother longitudinal bar type reinforcing is used, the reinforcing may bearranged longitudinally along the length of the caisson 108 in arectangular array, a radial array, or another arrangement. Where aradial array is provided, one or more concentric arrays of reinforcing110 may be provided, for example. The reinforcing 110 may also includecircumferentially arranged hoops or ties. In other embodiments, straightties may be used that extend across the array of longitudinalreinforcing. The longitudinal reinforcing together with the hoops orties may be referred to herein as a reinforcing cage. In someembodiments, multiple cages may be provided and may be concentricallyarranged about a longitudinally extending axis of the caisson 108. Insome embodiments, the cross-sectional area of reinforcing 110 may beconcentrated more in one portion of the cross-section of the caisson 108than in other portions of the cross-section to accommodate the bendingforces. For example, the reinforcing 110 positioned near the face of thecaisson 108 opposite the direction of the cantilevered deck may includea larger area than the reinforcing 110 on the face toward thecantilevered deck. In other embodiments, reinforcing 110 may be providedon one side of the cross-section and not the other. For example,longitudinal reinforcing may be provided on the face opposite thecantilevered direction and no longitudinal reinforcing may be providedon the other face. Other arrangements of reinforcing 110 may be also beprovided.

In one embodiment, as shown, the caisson 108 may include a 30 inchdiameter caisson that extends 17′-0″ into the ground and extends 6inches above the ground. A 30 inch hole may be drilled into the groundand a casing may be provided depending on the cohesiveness of the soils.In some embodiments, depending on the soil capacity and other factors,the caisson 108 may include a belled bottom. The 30 inch diametercaisson 108 may include six #6 vertical bars extending the longitudinallength of the caisson 108 or pier. Each bar may extend the full lengthor several bars may be provided and lapped a distance as specified bythe American Concrete Institute (ACI). Other lap lengths may also beprovided or selected for a suitable foundation. As shown, the caisson108 may also include #3 ties at 12 inches on center throughout thelength of the caisson 108 in addition to a more concentrated set of six#3 ties near the top of the caisson 108 at 4 inches on center. Othersizes of caissons 108 and arrangements of reinforcing 110 may also beused and may be selected based on the layout, size, and loading of thedeck 100 in addition to the soil conditions and other design factors.

While the foundation 102 has been described as a caisson foundation 108,other types of foundations 102 may also be provided. In someembodiments, a spread footing-type foundation may be provided.Considerations of frost protection may be included and the footing maybe placed a suitable distance below grade such as, for example, 60″,48″, 36″, 24″ or other distances as determined by local building codes.Where a spread footing is placed below grade, a concrete pier similar tothe caisson 108 previously described, may be provided extending upwardfrom the footing to a point just above grade for attachment of the frame104. The spread footing may be sized, offset, and otherwise designed toaccommodate the overturning forces induced by the frame 104 of the deck100. Other foundations 102 may include a grade beam type foundationextending along the home or adjacent structure and having one or moreframes 104 attached thereto. The grade beam may be a standalone gradebeam or it may be supported by pilings, caissons, or other deepfoundation type systems. The spread footing discussed above may alsobear on deep foundation systems or it may bear directly on the soil atone of the depths described or at another depth. In still otherembodiments, the foundation 102 may include a portion of the frame thatextends into the ground. That is, a portion of the frame may be driveninto the ground similar to a piling, for example, and the remainingportion of the frame may extend therefrom. Other types of foundations102 may also be provided.

The foundation 102 may include an attachment surface 112 configured forattachment of the frame or frames 104 thereto. The attachment surface112 may include a substantially flat surface that is at or slightlyabove grade. In some embodiments, the attachment surface 112 may bebelow grade. The attachment surface 112 may be a substantiallyhorizontal surface for attachment of one or more frames 104 that mayextend upwardly therefrom. In other embodiments, the attachment surface112 may be a substantially vertical surface or another orientation ofthe surface 112 may be provided.

Depending on the nature of the frame 104 and the type of connectionincluded for attaching to the foundation 102, the foundation 102 mayalso include an anchor system 114. As shown in FIG. 4, the anchor system114 may include one or more pull-out resisting anchor bolts, rods, orother embedded elongate elements 116. The pull-out resisting anchorelements 116 may be headed anchor bolts, J-bolts, or other bolt-typeanchors. Other anchor elements 116 may also be used.

The anchor elements 116 may be embedded in the concrete for an embedmentdistance 118 and may extend out of the foundation 102 at the attachmentsurface 112. The anchor elements 116 may extend out of the foundation102 a distance sufficient to secure the frame 104 to the anchor elements116. In one embodiment, the anchor elements 116 of the anchor system 114may be embedded a total distance 118 ranging from approximately 4 inchesto approximately 48 inches. In other embodiments, the embed length 118may range from approximately 12 inches to approximately 36 inches. Instill other embodiments, the embedment 118 may be approximately 24inches. Other suitable embedment lengths 118 may be selected based onthe loading and other conditions relating to the deck structure. Forexample, the more heavily tensioned anchor bolts may be embedded furtherthan other anchor bolts to provide additional pull-out resistance ormore anchor bolts may be provided to accommodate the overturning inducedtension on the anchor bolts. In some embodiments, all of the anchorbolts may be embedded the same distance for simplicity, even where thecompression side bolts may be sufficient with lesser embedment. Theanchor elements may extend out of the attachment surface a distanceranging from approximately 1 inch to approximately 12 inches. In someembodiments, the elements 116 may extend approximately 3 inches toapproximately 9 inches. In other embodiments the anchor elements 116 mayextend approximately 6 inches out of the attachment surface. Othersuitable extension lengths may be selected based on the type ofattachment provided by the frame 104. In some embodiments, the extensionmay be selected to accommodate a grout thickness between the foundationand the frame of approximately 1½ inches in addition to a base platethickness of ¾″ to 1″ in addition to a length for attaching a nut, forexample.

The plan view arrangement of the anchor elements 116 may include asquare arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Other arrangements suchas rectangular 116 or other arrangements may also be provided. Dependingon the number, size, loading, and spacing of the anchors 116, additionalanchor elements 116 may be provided on the side of the base plateopposite the cantilevered direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,four anchor elements 116 may be provided near the back edge of the baseplate, while two anchor elements 116 are provided near the front edge.Other arrangements, quantities, and groupings of anchor elements 116 maybe selected for suitably anchoring the base plate 128 to the foundation102. The anchor elements 116 may be positioned within the spaces definedby the I-shaped cross-section of the column and across the back face ofthe column. Other arrangements can also be provided. In someembodiments, more anchor elements 116 may be provided near and aroundthe tension flange or tension face of the column to suitably transferthe bending induced tensile forces from the tension flange into thefoundation 102.

Reinforcing 110 in the foundation 102 may be adapted to develop theloads from the anchor elements 116 into the foundation 102. For example,longitudinal reinforcing 110 may be lapped with the anchor elements 116to secure the anchor elements 116 in the foundation 102 and developtensile forces present in the anchor elements 116. Other arrangementsand methods for securing the frame 104 to the foundation 102 may also beprovided. That is, while anchor elements 116, such as anchor bolts, havebeen described, other anchor systems 114 may be provided including embedplates having headed studs or other anchor elements 116 extendingtherefrom embedded in the foundation 102. Still other anchor systems 114may be provided. The anchor system 114 together with portions of theframe 104, to be described below, may form a moment resisting connectionbetween the frame 104 and the foundation 102.

One or more frames 104 may extend from the foundation 102 at theattachment surface 112. The frames 104 may include an offsetting portion122 and an outlooking portion 124. The offsetting portion 122 may extendfrom the attachment to the foundation 102 and be configured to extendupward to define the offsetting distance, or height, between the top ofthe foundation 102 and the deck system 106. The outlooking portion 124may extend from the offsetting portion 122 and be configured forattachment to and support of the deck system 106. That is, theoutlooking portion 124 of the frame 104 may form a rib extending acrossthe deck system 106 for attachment of structural beams that, in turn,support the joists of the deck as will be described in more detailbelow. Other framing arrangements between the deck system 106 and theframe 104 may also be provided. For example, the joists may extendsubstantially perpendicularly to the frames. In either case, or in stillother arrangements, the frame 104 may form the main deck supportingstructure that collects the loads from the deck system 106 and carriesthe load to the foundation 102.

The offsetting portion 122 of the frame 104 may include a baseconnecting element 126 and a column. The base connecting element 126 maybe in the form of a base plate, a flange type element such as an angleor plate, an end cap, or other connecting element configured forattachment to the attachment surface 112 of the foundation 102. In oneembodiment, as shown, the base connecting element 126 may take the formof a base plate 128 having plan view dimensions slightly larger thanthat of the column 130. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the column maybe approximately 14 inches by 14 inches, and the base plate 128 may be,for example, 20 inches by 20 inches. Other base plate sizes andrelationships between base plates 128 and columns 130 may also beprovided and selected to provide suitable anchor bolt clearance relativeto the column 130, suitable distribution of forces to the foundation102, and suitable stresses within the base plate 128. The base plate 128may have a thickness ranging from approximately ¼ inch to approximately3 inches. In other embodiments, the base plate 128 may have a thicknessranging from approximately ½ inch to approximately 1½ inches. In stillother embodiments, the base plate 128 may be approximately 1 inch thick.The base plate 128 or other base connecting element 126 may be stiffenedrelative to the column with stiffener plates, angles, anchor chairs, orother stiffening elements.

The base connecting element 126 may be gapped or spaced above thefoundation 102 by a grout bed 132 allowing for uniform contact betweenthe base connecting element 126 and the foundation 102 for suitablydistributing the load from the base plate 128 to the foundation 102 andalso allowing for leveling of the base plate 128 and thus plumbing thecolumn 130. The grout 132 may be placed after the column 130 is plumbedand leveled and may be a non-shrink grout. As shown, in one embodiment,the base plate 128 may have a plurality of holes for receiving theanchor elements 116 from the foundation 102. The holes may be arrangedto correspond to the anchor element arrangement provided by thefoundation 102. The holes may be oversized to allow for flexibility inplacing the anchor elements 116. A securing set of threaded nuts may beprovided for threadably receiving the anchor elements 116 and securingthe base plate 128 to the foundation 102. A set of washers may also beprovided. In addition, an adjusting set of threaded nuts may be providedfor threadably receiving the anchor elements 116 and for placementbetween the base plate 128 and the foundation 102 for use in levelingthe base plate 128 prior to grouting. Alternatively, shim plates or shimpacks may be used to level the base plate 128 prior to grouting. Otherleveling mechanisms and/or systems may also be used. The base connectingelement 126 together with the anchor elements 116 embedded in thefoundation 102 may form a moment resisting connection between the frame104 and the foundation 102. In some embodiments, rather than providinganchor elements and a base plate, the column of the frame may beembedded in the foundation. That is, for example, the column may extenddown into the caisson 4′, 8′, 12′ or more and be positioned within thereinforcing cage of the caisson.

The column 130 of the offsetting portion 122 may be configured to carrythe vertical loads and bending loads transferred thereto from theoutlooking portion 124. It is noted that the nature of the structure maycause the cross-section of the column 130 to be relatively broad inmultiple directions due to the unbraced condition near the top of thecolumn 130 and the relatively high amount of bending in addition tovertical load being carried by the column 130. The column 130 mayinclude an I-shaped member such as a wide flange, an H-section, or otherI-shaped member. In some embodiments, for example a wide flange columnsuch as a W14x61 or a W18x119 may be used. Other wide flange shapes orother sections may also be selected to suitably resist the loads presentand/or anticipated for a deck. For example, other cross-sections of thecolumn may include hollow sections such as tube steel (TS) sections,hollow structural sections (HSS), or other hollow tubular sections.Solid sections may also be provided. In some embodiments, filledsections may be provided. For example a hollow section filled withconcrete or other material may be provided. In still other embodiments,encased sections may be provided, where, for example, an I-shaped membermay be encased in a square, round, or other shaped concrete column. Inany of the above-mentioned embodiments, the column 130 may be secured tothe base connecting element 126 by welding, bolting, or otherwisefastening the column 130 to the base connecting element 126. Inalternative embodiments, the column 130 and base connecting element 126may be integral with one another by casting, extruding, or rolling theelements as a single element. Other column elements 130 may be provided.

The column 130 may be oriented such that, in cross-section, largeramounts of area are provided toward the face of the column 130 oppositethe cantilever and toward the face of the column facing the cantilevereddirection of the deck 100. That is, larger amounts of area may beprovided near the back and front of the column 130 rather than along thesides of the column 130. For example, as shown, where an I-shaped column130 is provided, the column 130 may be oriented to place the flanges ofthe column 130 in the front and back positions rather than along thesides of the column 130. That is, the web of the I-shaped member mayalign with the cantilevered direction of the deck 100. Where built upboxes or other members are used, the elements near the front and back ofthe column 130 may be thickened or otherwise may provide morecross-sectional area to accommodate the bending stresses in the column130. In other embodiments, uniform thicknesses may be provided on allsides of a box or tube sections.

The outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104 may include a momentresisting connection 134 to the offsetting element 122, a beam 136, andsecuring features 138 configured for connection of the deck system 106to the outlooking portion 124. The moment resisting connection 134 maybe configured to allow the outlooking portion 124 to extend from theoffsetting portion 122 and support the deck system 106. That is, themoment resisting connection 134 may substantially maintain the angularrelationship between the outlooking portion 124 and the offsettingportion 122 and prevent substantial rotation between the outlookingportion 124 and the offsetting portion 122 at a location proximate tothe connection 134.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the beam 136 may extend across thetop of the column 130. The beam 136 may stop flush with the back side ofthe column 130 or the beam 136 may extend beyond the back side of thecolumn 130 to more suitably position the interior edge of the deck 100adjacent the structure. As shown in FIG. 7, stiffeners 140 may beincluded on either side of the web of the beam 136 in line with theflanges of the column 130. The ends of the flanges of the column 130 mayinclude edge preparations and be connected to the beam with completepenetration welds as shown. The stiffeners 140 may also be welded inplace with complete penetration welds to the bottom flange of the beam136. Additional fillet welding may be provided between the stiffeners140 and the web of the beam 136. The stiffeners 140 may have thicknessesthe same or similar to the thickness of the column flange thickness. Forexample, the web stiffeners 140 may be approximately ⅜ inch toapproximately 2 inches thick or approximately ½ inch to approximately 1½inch thick. In other embodiments, the web stiffeners 140 may beapproximately 1 inch thick. Other thicknesses of web stiffeners 140 maybe selected to provide suitable load transfer in the moment resistingconnection 134.

In other embodiments, the beam 136 may frame into the front face of thecolumn 130 rather than extending across the top of the column 130. Thebeam 136 may be connected to the front flange of the column 130 with awelded connection or a bolted connection such as a shear tab or doubleangle connection. In this embodiment, the ends of the flanges of thebeam 136 may include edge preparations and be connected to the face ofthe column 130 with complete penetration welds. Stiffeners 140 may beprovided in the web of the column 130 in line with the flanges of thebeam 136 and may be welded to the front flange of the column 130 withcomplete penetration welds and fillet welds between the stiffeners 140and the web of the column 130 may also be provided.

While two examples of primarily welded moment resisting connections 134have been described, bolted moment resisting connections or combinationsof bolted and welded connections may also be provided. For example, anextended end plate connection, a top and bottom angle connection, orother moment resisting connections 134 may also be provided. Where steelcolumns and beams are used, one of several moment resisting connections134 recognized by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)may be provided. Other moment resisting connections 134 may also beused. In still other embodiments, a knee-braced type connection may beprovided where a strut is connected to the column 130 and the beam 136and extends diagonally between the two near the intersection of the beam136 and the column 130. In still other embodiments, the column 130 andbeam 136 may be continuous with one another and the moment resistingconnection 134 may be provided by the continuity therebetween. That is,a structural member such as a wide flange, a tube, or a pipe, forexample, may be rolled or bent to form a frame 104 with integraloffsetting 122 and outlooking portions 124 where the two portions 122,124 are formed by different portions of the same substantiallycontinuous structural member.

The beam 136 of the outlooking portion 124 may be configured to collectthe loads from the deck system 106 and transfer them to the column 130.As such, the beam 136 may be configured to resist bending moments andshear forces induced in the beam 136 due to concentrated or distributedloads applied along its length. Like the column 130, the beam 136 mayinclude an I-shaped member such as a wide flange, an H-section, or otherI-shaped member. For example, the beam may be a W14x61 or a W18x119 forexample. The beam size may correspond to the column size or differingmembers may be provided. Other wide flange shapes or other sections mayalso be selected to suitably resist the loads present and/or anticipatedfor a deck 100. For example, other cross-sections of the beam mayinclude hollow sections such as tube steel (TS) sections, hollowstructural sections (HSS), or other hollow tubular sections. Solidsections may also be provided. Other cross-sectional shapes may also beprovided. In some embodiments, the bottom flange of the beam 136 may bebraced at one or more points along the length of the beam 136 as shownin FIG. 9. The bracing 142 may allow the unbraced length of thecompression flange of the beam 136 to be reduced during design therebyallowing the size of the beam 136 to be more efficient than a fullyunbraced beam 136.

In some embodiments, as shown, the outlooking portion 124 of the frame104 may be upset into the boundary of the deck system 106 to partiallyor substantially seclude the outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104. Inthis embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the deck system 106 may include apair of structural rim joists 144 extending across the outer edge of thedeck 100 and the interior edge of the deck 100. Each of the front andrear structural rim joists 144 may be supported by the respectivecantilevered tip of the outlooking portion 124 and the opposite end, orheel, of the outlooking portion 124. Securing features 138 for securingthe structural rim joists 144 to the outlooking portion 124 may beprovided. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the securing features 138 mayinclude a stiffened seat plate 146 secured to a stiffener 140 or endplate provided at the ends of the beam 136 of the outlooking portion124. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, at the heel end of the outlookingportion 124 where the beam 136 is connected to the column 130, a pair ofstiffeners 140 may be present in the web of the beam 136 as part of themoment resisting connection 134 between the beam 136 and the column 130.Where the beam 136 stops flush with the back side of the column 130, aseat plate 146 may be provided and welded or otherwise secured to theweb stiffener 140 to provide a ledge upon which to set the interiorstructural rim joist 144. The seat plate 146 may have a thicknessranging from approximately ⅛ inch to approximately 1½ inch or fromapproximately ¼ inch to approximately ¾ inch. In other embodiments, theseat plate 146 may be approximately ½ inch thick. The seat plate 146 mayhave a width substantially equal to the width of the rim joist 144 and alength substantially equal to the width of the beam 136. The seat plate146 may be spaced downward from the top of the beam 136 a distancedefined by the depth of the rim joist 144 less a thickness of, forexample, 1½ inches to accommodate a nailer 148 that may be placed on topof the beam 136. As such, once the structural rim joist 144 is placed onthe seat, the top of the rim joist 144 may be flush with the top of anailer 148 on the beam 136. The seat 146 may be stiffened by placing astiffener 150 below the seat 140 and welding or otherwise securing thestiffener 150 to the web stiffeners 140 in the beam 136. This seatstiffener 150 may be aligned with the web of the beam 136 to transferthe rim joist reaction forces through shear into the web of the beam136.

At the outer end of the beam 136, or at the inner end if the beam 136extends beyond the back face of the column 130, a similar approach maybe taken as shown in FIG. 8. However, stiffeners or an end plate 152 maybe provided on the end of the beam 136 to provide a surface to securethe seat plate 146. The stiffeners 152 in this case may range fromapproximately ⅛ inch thick to approximately 1½ inch thick. In otherembodiments, an approximately ¼ inch to approximately 1 inch thick orapproximately ⅜″ thick stiffener 152 may be used. In both the outer andinterior condition, the rim joist 144 may be seated on the seat plate146 for vertical support and may be secured to the outlooking portion124 with a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may include a pluralityof bolts as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of fasteners may extendthrough the rim joists 144 and the web stiffeners 140 or end stiffener152 to secure the rim joists 144 to the ends of the outlooking portion124 of the frame 104.

The frame 104, including the offsetting portion 122 and the outlookingportion 124 and the several parts thereof, may be made from steelmaterials. In some embodiments, the frame 104 may include an ASTM A36steel or ASTM A572 steel material. Other steel grades may also be used.The anchor elements 116 embedded in the foundation 102 may be ASTM F1554type anchor bolts or other types or grades of anchor bolts may also beused. Other materials for the frame 104 may also be used such as, forexample, concrete, composites, or other materials.

The structural rim joists 144 mentioned may form a part of the supportelements making up the deck system 106 supported by the frame 104 orframes 104. The structural rim joists 144 may include, for example, awood beam such as a 2×6, 2×8, 2×12 or a multiple of 2× members built upto provide, for example, a (3) 2×12 beam. Other combinations ofdimensioned, rough sawn, or other lumbers may also be used. In otherembodiments, an engineered wood beam may be provided. For example aglue-laminated beam, parallel strand lumber (PSL), laminated veneerlumber (LVL), laminated strand lumber (LSL), or other engineered woodproduct may be provided. The structural rim joist size may be selectedto suitably carry the loads of the deck 100 between adjacent outlookingportions 124 of the frame 104. In one embodiment, each of the outer andinner rim joists 144 may include a 5¼ inch by 11¼ inch PSL beam. Othersizes and types of rim joists 144 may also be provided and selected tosuitably support the outer and inner edges of the deck system 106. Insome embodiments, the structural rim joists 144 may be pressure treated,termite treated, or otherwise treated to reduce the deterioration of theelements due to exposure to weather, sun, termites, or other naturalforces that can cause deterioration. Other materials for the rim joists144 may also be used.

The structural rim joists 144 may be designed to span the distancebetween the frames 104 and may be continuous past the end of a frame104. For example, where three frames 104 are provided and the frames 104are spaced approximately 10 feet apart, a 20 foot structural rim joistmay be provided and extend along all three frames 104. Additionally, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structural rim joist 144 may cantileverbeyond the end of the frame 104 to provide a deck size slightly largerthan the size defined by the frame spacing. Suitable cantilever lengthsmay be provided and may be approximately equal to ¼ to ½ orapproximately ⅓ of the back span dimension. That is, if the framespacing is approximately 9 feet, the cantilever dimension may beapproximately 3 feet. Other cantilever lengths may be selected toprovide a suitable deck size and to maximize the efficient use of theframing materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the deck support elements may also include aplurality of joists 154 spaced apart from one another and spanningbetween the outer and inner structural rim joists 144. The plurality ofjoists 154 may include lumber products such as 2×6's, 2×8's, 2×10's,2×12's or other suitable lumber products for spanning the distancebetween structural rim joists 144 and supporting a specified loading. Inother embodiments, engineered lumber such as those described withrespect to the structural rim joists 144 may also be provided. In stillother embodiments, wood I-joists may also be provided. Still othermaterials may also be used. The joists 154 may be spaced from oneanother by a distance suitable for spanning by the decking 158 placed ontop of the joists. For example, the joists may be spaced at 12 inches,16 inches, or 24 inches on center. Other spacings may also be used andthe spacings may be adjusted to accommodate interruptions such as edges,the outlooking beam 136, deck joints, or other variables. The joists 154may be secured to the structural rim joists 144 with joist hangers oranother suitable connection device.

The joists and other portions of the deck structure may be selectedbased on loadings prescribed by local building codes or otherauthorities. In some embodiments, the deck elements may be designed tocarry the dead load of the deck in addition to a 40 pound per squarefoot live load. In still other embodiments, a 50 pound per square footlive load may be used. In still other embodiments, a 100 pound persquare foot live load may be used. In still other embodiments,accommodations for snow drift may be made and the loading on the decksurface may be increased near the adjacent structure and decreasedmoving away from the structure.

The plurality of joists 154 may be held in their spaced apartrelationship with one or more rows of bridging 156 extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the joists. As shown in FIG. 9, thebridging may include 1×3 diagonal bracing positioned at the ½ point ofthe joist span as shown. For longer spans, the ⅓ points or ¼ points maybe used. Where the bridging intersects the beam 136 of the outlookingportion 124 of the frame 104, a 2×6 brace 142 may be provided extendingfrom the nearest joist 154 to the bottom flange of the outlooking beam136. The brace 142 may be secure to the bottom flange of the beam 136with two ⅜″ diameter through bolts. Other bridging sizes, bracing sizesand through bolt sizes may be selected and provided to suitably bracethe joists 154 relative to one another and provide lateral bracing tothe beam bottom flange.

As shown in FIG. 9, a nailer 148 may be provided on the top surface ofthe beam 136 of the outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104. The nailer148 may be a 2× member such as a 2×6, a 2×8, a 2×12, or a 2×10 as shown.The nailer 148 may be configured to support the decking 158 at the beam136 location and provide a nailable surface for nailing, screwing, orotherwise fastening the decking 158 material. The nailer 148 may befastened to the beam with 2 bolts every 24 inches on center. The boltsmay be provided in the top of the nailer 148 and countersunk orcounterbored to sink the head of the bolt in the nailer 148 and providea smooth surface for the decking 158. In other embodiments, lag screwsmay be inserted from the bottom side and into the bottom of the nailer148. Other sizes and spacings of fasteners may be selected to suitablysecure the nailer 148 to the beam 136 of the frame 104.

The deck surface may be provided by a decking material 158 including a2× wood decking material, a 5/4 wood decking material, a compositedecking material, or an aluminum decking material. Other deckingmaterials may also be provided and selected based on design choices,joist spacing, and other factors. The decking 158 may be nominallyapproximately 2 inches to approximately 10 inches wide or it may beapproximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches wide. In still otherembodiments, the decking 158 may be nominally approximately 6 incheswide. Other decking widths and combinations of decking widths may alsobe provided. The decking may be arranged generally perpendicularly tothe joist span direction or other arrangements such as diagonal or othersculpted arrangements may be used. The decking material 158 may besecured to the joists 154 with nails, screws, clips, or other fastenersor systems.

A railing system may be provide on the deck 100 to prevent users oritems on the deck 100 from falling off of the edges of the deck 100. Therailing may include upright posts spaced approximately 2 feet toapproximately 10 feet apart or from approximately 4 feet toapproximately 8 feet apart. In some embodiments, the upright posts maybe approximately 6 feet apart. An upper rail and bottom rail may beprovided with spindles extending vertically therebetween. The spindlesmay be spaced from one another such that the spacing therebetween doesnot exceed 4 inches. Other railing arrangements including spindlespacing may be selected to provide a suitable railing system. 100

The deck 100 may be positioned adjacent a home, building, or otherstructure. For example, the foundation 106 may be installed adjacent thefoundation of the structure. The frame 104 may be placed on thefoundation 102 and the deck system 106 may be connected to the frame104. The foundation 102 and frame 104 may be placed such that the innerstructural rim joist 144 attached to the frame 104 is positioned withininches or fractions of an inch from the structure. As such, the gappotentially present between the surface of the deck 100 and a floorsystem of an adjacent structure may be relatively small. In someembodiments, the gap between an adjacent floor or door threshold of anadjacent structure and the inner face of the deck system 106 may be, forexample, ¼ inch, or ½ inch, or 1 inch. Other gap distances may beprovided and in alternative embodiments, the deck 100 may be placedfarther distances from the structure. As shown in FIG. 4, whereadditional space is needed to construct the foundation 102 or to provideclearances around the offsetting portion 122 of the frame 104 and wherethese clearances cause the gap to be unsuitably large, the outlookingportion 124 of the frame 104 may extend across the offsetting portion122 to approach the adjacent structure and allow for suitablepositioning of the inner structural rim joist 144. It is noted, that inconditions where the outlooking portion 124 extends from the outer faceof the offsetting portion 122 rather than extending across the top ofthe offsetting portion 122, an additional inlooking portion may beconnected to the inner face of the offsetting portion 122 to extend moreproximate to the adjacent structure.

The deck 100 disclosed herein may thus be used in the same or similarway to current decks, balconies, perches, and other platforms. The deck100 may be constructed during the construction of the adjacent structureor at a later time without invasively adjusting the exterior finishsystem of the structure. The size of the deck 100 may cover a wide rangeof shapes and sizes. For example, the deck 100 may extend away from astructure a distance ranging from approximately 1 foot to approximately40 feet. In other embodiments, the distance may range from approximately3 or 4 feet to approximately 20 feet. In other embodiments, the distancemay range from approximately 10 feet to approximately 16 feet. Thesedistances may be accommodated by adjusting the sizes of the foundation102, frame 104, and deck system 106. For example, a deck 100 thatcantilevers 20 feet may include a nominally 18 inch deep wide flange forthe column 130 and beam members 136 of the frame 104 and a deck 100 thatcantilevers 14 feet may include a nominally 14 inch deep wide flange forthe column 130 and beam members 136. The length of the deck 100transverse to the cantilevered direction may range from approximately 1′to several hundred feet. That is, most any length of deck may beprovided by providing additional foundation 102 and frame 104 andconstructing a deck system 106 corresponding to the plurality of frames104. In some embodiments, a very short deck such as a 3′ or 4′ long deckmay require only one frame 104. That is, a deck 100 that functions likea catwalk that extends 10 to 14 feet away from a structure, for example,but is relatively short in the orthogonal direction (i.e., 3 to 4 feet)may be constructed with a single frame 104. Where longer lengths of deck100 are provided, multiple frames may be provided and may be spaced fromone another suitably to support the deck system 106. For example, theframes 104 may be spaced from one another a distance ranging fromapproximately 6 or 8 feet to approximately 30 feet. In otherembodiments, the frames 104 may be spaced from one another by a distanceof approximately 10 feet to approximately 20 feet. In still otherembodiments, the frames 104 may be spaced approximately 15 feet. Otherspacings and arrangements of the deck 100 may be provided includingspacing and distances outside the ranges provided to provide a suitabledeck structure.

It is noted that while the current embodiment has been described withthe outlooking beams 136 of the frame upset in the deck system 106 andstructural rim joists 144 spanning along the outer and inner edges ofthe deck 100 between the outlooking beams 136, other framingarrangements may also be provided. For example, in another embodiment ofan upset frame, the plurality of joists 154 may extend in an orthogonaldirection to the embodiment described and frame into the side of thebeam 136 of the outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104. For example,the gap adjacent the I-shaped web of the beam 136 may be filled with alumber material by bolting through the web of the beam 136. The joists154 may be secured to the fill with face mount hangers, for example.Alternatively, a top mount hanger may be provided to hang the joists 154from the nailer 148 on the top of the beam 136 and the fill may beprovided to brace the hanger against swaying beyond the boundary of thebeam. In this embodiment, a frame 104 and corresponding outlookingportion 124 may be arranged at each end of the deck system 106 and maybe clad in wood or other members to further seclude the frame 104 fromview.

In still other embodiments, the outlooking beam 136 of the frame 104 maynot be upset in the boundary of the deck framing system 106 and the decksystem 106 may be assembled and arranged to rest, for example, on thetop of the outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104 or a nailer 148positioned thereon. In this embodiment, for example, structural rimjoists 144 may be provided as before, but they may rest on the top ofthe beam 136 of the outlooking portion 124 of the frame 104 rather thanframing along the inner and outer end of the beam 136. The plurality ofjoists 154 in this embodiment may span between the structural rim joists144 as before.

In still other embodiments, where the beam 136 of the frame 104 is notupset in the boundary of the deck framing system 106, the plurality ofthe joists 154 may be arranged perpendicular to the outlooking beam 136of the frame 104 and may rest on the surface of the beam 136 or a nailer148 positioned thereon. The joists 154 may stop at the beam 136 orcantilever beyond the beam 136 to provide a slightly larger deck thanprovided by the frame spacing.

In still other embodiments, the plurality of joists 154 may be supportedby a ledger board secured to the adjacent structure and supported by therim joist at the outer edge of the deck away from the structure. In someembodiments, the connection of the plurality of joists to the ledgerboard may include a horizontal slide connection allowing lateral motionof the deck structure without placing tension on the ledger board.

The present disclosure may be advantageous for several reasons. That is,for example, the caisson type foundation 102 may allow for the deck 100to be constructed adjacent an existing structure while having littleimpact on the structure. That is, when compared to driving piling wherevibration can be a concern, the drilling process of constructing acaisson foundation may have a lesser affect on the existing structure.When compared to excavating deep holes adjacent a structure, for aspread footing for example, cribbing, shoring, or other retentionsystems may be required. The caisson type foundation may, thus, befurther advantageous by avoiding the need for these retention systems.Still further, the caisson type foundation may be advantageous due toits ability to be constructed more proximate to an adjacent structurethan, for example, a spread type footing. That is, while a spreadfooting may be able to be constructed adjacent to a structure, thenature of load distribution of a spread footing may be such that thecenter of the offsetting portion 122 of the frame 104 may be positionedaway from the inner most edge of the footing causing the frame 104 to befurther spaced away from the structure than with the caisson foundation.Still further, the foundation may be constructed relatively deep in theground to engage the soil to assist in resisting the relatively highoverturning forces on the foundation. Where the depth of the deckfoundation is below the foundation of the adjacent structure, theconstruction of the deck foundation may lead to undermining of theadjacent structure foundation. This may make a spread footing foundationdifficult to construct where the caisson foundation may have less of animpact on the adjacent structure foundation. That is, the length of thecaisson hole along the adjacent structure may be less than the length ofan excavation required for a spread footing. Moreover, casings may beused when drilling the caisson foundation to reduce or eliminateundermining of the adjacent structure.

It is noted that, in some embodiments, the foundation may be constructedintegral with the foundation of the adjacent structure. For example, inanticipation of a later or concurrently constructed deck, the foundationof the adjacent structure may include bumped out portions including, forexample, a bumped out footing and a bumped out pier. Anchor bolts orother anchor systems may be installed in the foundation in anticipationof deck construction. In some embodiments, sleeves may be provided inthe foundation for later receiving the anchors for the deck. The sleevesmay be threaded, corrugated, or smooth sleeves or another type of sleevemay be used. The later installed anchor bolts may be secured in thesleeves with epoxy, concrete, or otherwise secured in the sleeves tosupport the deck. In still other embodiments, the pre-constructedfoundation may stop below the ground and reinforcing may be leftextending from the foundation for later construction of a concrete capfor receiving the anchor bolts or other anchors for the deck structure.

In still other embodiments, embed plates, anchors, or other elements maybe positioned in a concrete or other wall for later or concurrentattachment of an outlooking portion of the frame of the cantilevereddeck. In this embodiment, the portion of the wall below the embed platesmay form the offsetting portion of the frame and the foundation of thewall may form the foundation of the deck. In still other embodiments,the offsetting portion of the deck structure may be buried in anexterior wall of a building for later or concurrent attachment of theoutlooking portion. For example the steel offsetting portion or columnmay be secured to the top of a foundation wall of a home and a woodframed wall may be framed around the column. An aperture in the wall maybe formed for insertion of the outlooking portion for connection to thecolumn. Other approaches to providing an aftermarket deck orconcurrently built deck may also be used and some or all of the deck maybe constructed concurrently with the adjacent structure or at a latertime.

The present disclosure may also be advantageous due to the use of asteel structure to form a portion of the deck 100. That is, a strongermaterial such as steel has been strategically utilized to supplement themore common wood material used in deck constructions. For example, whileconstructing all of the deck 100 out of steel may be expensive, thepresent disclosure may take advantage of the relatively high strength ofsteel to form relatively cost effective frames to resist high loadingsand may take advantage of the relatively low cost lumber and otherdecking materials for other portions of the construction. As such, animproved yet cost effective residential-type deck assembly may beprovided. That is, while similar products may be used to construct acommercial-type deck, a residential-type deck may include wood productsfor the plurality of joists, rim joists, and/or beams and deckingproducts including wood, composites, aluminum, or other materials. Theresidential-type deck assembly may be supplemented with relatively smallamounts of structural steel to provide a new and improved deckstructure.

Still further, the present disclosure is advantageous due to the uniqueaesthetics provided by the deck, the avoidance of moisture intrusionissues commonly found around ledger boards of decks, and the avoidanceof obstructing columns below the far end of the deck. As such, the deckmay be architecturally appealing, it may be safer or last longer thancurrent deck systems, and may allow for unobstructed use of the spacebelow the deck.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments.Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or described with differentterminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined inthe claims that follow.

1. A deck for positioning adjacent a structure, comprising: a foundationconfigured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure; aframe extending from the foundation; and a deck system arranged aboutand supported by the frame, wherein: the deck is adapted for positioningadjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure. 2.The deck of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a offsetting portion anda outlooking portion.
 3. The deck of claim 2, wherein the outlookingportion extends from the offsetting portion at a moment resistingconnection.
 4. The deck of claim 3, wherein the moment resistingconnection includes a welded connection.
 5. The deck of claim 4, whereinthe moment resisting connection includes a braced connection.
 6. Thedeck of claim 2, wherein the offsetting portion extends from thefoundation at a moment resisting base connecting element.
 7. The deck ofclaim 6, wherein the moment resisting connection includes a base plateand pull-out resisting anchor bolts securing the base plate to thefoundation.
 8. The deck of claim 6, wherein the moment resistingconnection includes embedding the offsetting portion in the foundation.9. The deck of claim 2, wherein the offsetting portion is a column andthe outlooking portion is a beam.
 10. The deck of claim 2, wherein thedeck system includes first and second rim joists secured to the frame.11. The deck of claim 10, wherein the rim joists are arranged generallyperpendicular to the outlooking portion.
 12. The deck of claim 11,wherein the outlooking portion includes first and second ends and thefirst and second rim joists are secured to respective first and secondends of the outlooking portion.
 13. The deck of claim 12, wherein thefirst and second ends of the outlooking portion each include a seatplate and the rim joists bear on the seat plates.
 14. The deck of claim10, wherein the deck system includes a plurality of joists arranged inspaced apart relationship and spanning from the first rim joist to thesecond rim joist.
 15. The deck of claim 14, wherein the plurality ofjoists are positioned generally in-plane with the rim joists.
 16. Thedeck of claim 2, wherein the outlooking portion of the frame is upset inthe deck system for partial concealment within the deck system.
 17. Thedeck of claim 1, wherein the foundation includes a spread footing. 18.The deck of claim 1, wherein the foundation includes a caisson.
 19. Adeck for support by a foundation, the deck comprising: a residentialdeck system including a plurality of wood joists supported by a rimjoist and decking arranged on the plurality of joists providing a decksurface; and a means for cantilevered support of the residential deckrelative to the foundation.
 20. A deck for support by a foundation,comprising: a cantilever frame extending from the foundation andconfigured for a moment resisting connection to the foundation, theframe including an offsetting portion and an outlooking portion andhaving a moment resisting connection between the offsetting andoutlooking portions; and a residential deck system arranged about andsupported by the frame, the residential deck system including a rimjoist, a plurality of floor joists, and decking arranged on an supportedby the plurality of floor joists.